Bob Saget’s Legacy Lives On as Scleroderma Research Foundation’s “Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine” Event Raises $1.2 Million
The 2023 “Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine” fundraiser for the Scleroderma Research Foundation was a night filled with tributes to the late comedian and scleroderma research advocate Bob Saget, who tragically passed away in 2022.
The event, held at the Edison Ballroom in New York City on Wednesday night, paid homage to Saget’s incredible 30 years of work with the foundation. His efforts helped raise both money and awareness about the devastating effects of scleroderma, an autoimmune disease.
The evening was hosted by Jeff Ross, who opened the event by saying, “Tonight will be a tribute to Bob, but also a look ahead at what we’re doing in the fight against scleroderma.”
Thanks to an auction featuring items like a 10-day resort trip to Bali and a five-day trip to Tuscany, as well as donations made during the event, the foundation was able to raise an impressive $1.2 million for the cause.
Dr. Luke Evnin, the chairman of the foundation’s board of directors, spoke about Saget’s irreplaceable contributions to the fight against scleroderma. He expressed, “Bob and I worked together for over 20 years. … I always imagined Bob and I would be side-by-side up here to announce that we had made an incredible difference in this disease, and maybe even stand up here and announce a cure, but that’s not to be.”
Saget’s family, including his wife Kelly Rizzo, daughters Aubrey and Lara, and nephew Adam Saget, were in attendance, joined by the “Full House” star’s TV daughter Ashley Olsen.
During the event, Caroline Hirsch was honored with the first-ever Bob Saget Legacy Award. Hirsch, the founder and owner of Carolines comedy club and the New York Comedy Festival, had worked with Saget throughout the years to attract top talent to past “Cool Comedy” events.
The evening also featured performances by top comedians like Ronny Chieng, Nikki Glaser, and Michael Che, and a special musical performance by Adam Duritz & David Immerglück of Counting Crows.
The menu, curated by chef and foundation board member Susan Feniger, included a tuna tiradito appetizer, an Indian crispy chicken main course, and an Egyptian semolina cake for dessert.
The event serves as a fitting continuation of Bob Saget’s legacy, showcasing the impact of his dedication to fighting scleroderma. His passion and influence live on through the incredible $1.2 million raised for crucial research and support.
